Study Guides & References
The program provides resources to achieve an understanding in areas for each classification that an operator or those desiring to be operators must possess to be prepared for the duties and challenges they will face as an operator.
For more information, select a classification from the options below.
Study Resources
WPI Recommended Study Guides
Certification Exam Resources
Formula Books
The following are approved as reference sources for WPI’s standardized wastewater collection operator examinations. For more details, review individual Need-to-Know documents for each examination.
Exam References
- WEF Wastewater Collection Systems Management
- Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Collection Systems, Volume 1 8th ED
- Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Collection Systems, Volume II 8th ED
Operators should use the latest edition of these reference sources to prepare for the exam.
WPI Standardized Need-to-Know Criteria
Study Resources
Certification Exam Resources
Formula Books
The following are approved as reference sources for WPI’s standardized water distribution operator examinations. For more details, review individual Need-to-Know documents for each examination.
Exam References
Operators should use the latest edition of these reference sources to prepare for the exam.
WPI Standardized Need-to-Know Criteria
Fleming Training Center Study Guides
Theory
- Biological/Natural Systems
- Introduction to Wastewater Treatment - Part 1
- Introduction to Wastewater Treatment - Part 2
- Advanced Wastewater Treatment
Mathematics
Study Resources
WPI Recommended Study Guides
Certification Exam Resources
Formula Books
Biological/Natural System Operator
The following are approved as reference sources for WPI’s standardized wastewater treatment operator examinations Grades I - IV. For more details, review individual Need-to-Know documents for each examination.
Exam References
- WEF Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals I – Liquid Treatment
- WEF Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals II – Solids Handling and Support Systems
- WEF Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals III – Advanced Treatment
- Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Vol 1, 8th ED
- Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Vol 2, 8th ED
- Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Vol 3, 1st ED
Operators should use the latest edition of these reference sources to prepare for the exam.
WPI Standardized Need-to-Know Criteria
Fleming Training Center Study Guides
Theory
Mathematics
Study Resources
WPI Recommended Study Guides
- American Water Works Association Bookstore
- Water System Operations (WSO) Water Treatment, Grade I
- Water System Operations (WSO) Water Treatment, Grade II
- Water System Operations (WSO) Water Treatment, Grades III & IV
- Water Operator Certification Exam Prep Book
- Water Operator Certification Exam Prep App
- ABC Very Small Water System Guidebook
- Very Small Water Systems web-based practice exam
Certification Exam Resources
Formula Books
The following are approved as reference sources for WPI’s standardized water treatment operator examinations. For more details, review individual Need-to-Know documents for each examination.
Exam References
References for Small Water Systems are listed in the final pages of the Need-to-Know document
- AWWA WSO Water Treatment Grade 1
- AWWA WSO Water Treatment Grade 2
- AWWA WSO Water Treatment Grades 3-4
- Water Treatment Plant Operation, Volume 1 7th ED
- Water Treatment Plant Operation, Volume 2 7th ED
Operators should use the latest edition of these reference sources to prepare for the exam.
WPI Standardized Need-to-Know Criteria
TN Operator Certification Formula Manual Series
Four official references developed for Tennessee water and wastewater operators
Pilot Period Notice: During the Fall 2025 pilot, operators will be provided the new Tennessee Operator Certification Formula Manual for their classification and the legacy FTC and ABC references. After the pilot, only the Tennessee Operator Certification Formula Manuals will remain approved.
Collection:
Distribution:
Wastewater:
- WPI Wastewater Treatment & Collection Conversion Table
- FTC Wastewater Treatment Mathematical Formulas
Water:
Contact Information
General Contact | Fleming Training Center
(615) 898-8090
Fleming.Training@tn.gov
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Location Information
2022 Blanton Dr.
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM CST